Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has carried out a Blessing to mark the opening of women@thewell, a new London based charity set up to provide a range of services to women sexually exploited through prostitution and who have experienced sexual trafficking.

Women@thewell is an independent charity set up by the Sisters of Mercy Religious Congregation. The Blessing ceremony took place on 24th September 2007, exactly 180 years after the first House of Mercy was opened in Dublin by Catherine McAuley, who four years later, in 1831, founded the Sisters of Mercy.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor said; 'I am very pleased to Bless and give my support to this innovative initiative to provide support for women who are caught up in and exploited through their involvement in prostitution. It is extremely encouraging that this work is being carried out by the Sisters of Mercy, who for many years have done so much to help the lives of the marginalised and vulnerable.'

Support for vulnerable women

Women@thewell, whose patrons include Baroness Helena Kennedy, aims to provide a creative and supportive space for vulnerable women based on Gospel values and to develop a holistic response to their needs. It aims to empower these women to make choices to improve the quality of their lives.

You can find out more about the work of women@thewell by contacting Sister Lynda Dearlove on 020 7520 1710.